I just want to thank you guys for continuing to tell me about your experiences at the dealer and not getting after me. I'm just interested in hearing about other's luck.

The more I poke around the forums it seems like I was flat out spoiled by my dealer in Irvine, California. For example, after another dealer failed twice to find any reason my check engine light would be on I called them and they told me over the phone there was a 99% chance it was the catalytic converter. At that point in time my radiator was also leaking. They replaced both, in one visit, and I never had to bring my mini back in for further "tweaking".

I guess I'm a sucker for expecting great service every time around? I realize it was probably a combination of the moon, and everyone's day, but that's enough to spoil it for me. I would probably feel differently if there was another mini dealer in this state.

Can anyone confirm or deny a dealership in madison rumors?

 

I bought my mini from Fitchburg BMW on Rimrock Road, just off the east beltline in Madison. Since I was given only one key, my salesman, Griffin Roberts, said I would have to order a new one through IA in Waukesha. I dealt with Tim and he has been super! In addition to getting a new key, I ordered front & rear mud flaps. Since my car was previously registered in Florida, it did not have a front license bracket mount. I work for the DOT here in Madison, and I really can't afford to risk getting a ticket for non-compliance with the front metal law. Tim said that he would have the license bracket mounted when I came in for the key and mud flaps at no additional charge. The parts guy from IA called me yesterday to tell me that the new key and mud flaps have arrived. Tim is on vacation this week, but I will be going in soon for the service appointment. I'll let you know how that goes. FWIW, the service dept at Fitchburg BMW were able to replace a broken rear seat latch within 3 days after I picked up Capt'n Jack, as it was broken when I bought the car. They also had to flush out the windshield washer fluid since it must have been Florida fluid because it had frozen in the lines and did not work. It was only -10 degrees the day I picked up Capt'n Jack! I have been favorably impressed by the quality of customer service that I have received from both Fitchburg BMW and IA to date, but it is still early on.

 

"Florida Fluid" yeah, I had "California Fluid" which is close to the same, it's water, only yours came from Florida

 

jjshoe,

A little bit more on the Madison MINI dealer, Fitchburg BMW; they are part of the "Zimbrick" dealerships here in Madison. My wife bought her Honda Pilot from Zimbrick Honda here in Madison, and we have been very satisfied with the treatment we have received from them as well. It seems that the Fitchburg BMW business is relatively new, their main focus is on BMWs, and to-date they can only provide a "limited" MINI service response. For example, they tried to scan my current MINI key but said that they did not have the required software in-house yet to get a "complete readout". This was also the reason given for the referral to IA for the additional key. They did state that they could perform most of the "warranty-work" that I would need in the future, but that they were limited in the on-hand parts inventory for MINIs, again this was the reason why they were unable to install the front license plate and why they referred me to IA.

 

To JJSHOE:

I took Capt'n Jack in yesterday to International Motors in Waukesha, WI for the spare key programming/pickup, the front license plate mounting bracket and mud flaps installation. I'm happy to report that all went well. Tim in IA's service department treated me politely, professionally and honored my request not to have a car wash done. (It was 63 degrees in Madison yesterday and I was able to give Capt'n Jack a thorough cleaning myself when I got back home.) The On Board Computer calculated a 36.4 mpg for the ~155 mile round-trip of mostly freeway driving. The IA mechanics gave my mini a detailed inspection and aside from the tires being slightly under-inflated, Capt'n Jack passed with all check-boxes in the green zone! I know a part is a part is a part, but IA charged me $0.33 each for the mounting screws needed to affix the license plate bracket. All in all, I had a good customer experience at IA.

 

Hi everyone,

I know that we've been asked through the years if there is a place besides International Autos to go for service, and also have been asked about a trusted place for modifications. We've found a terrific father/son duo in Cedarburg that's been just fantastic. Their name implies that they work only on vintage cars, but don't let that fool you as they work on modern MINI Coopers too. They also race classic Minis, so they have fun stories while you wait too.

Here is the information:
Stonefield Vintage Garage
2110 County Hwy. NN in the town of Cedarburg
Richard Gehweiler & Danny Gehweiler
262-894-5470
stonefield@wi.rr.com

On Saturday, May 30 2009 you can stop by there as they are having an Open House so that you can check them out.

 

While we haven't taken our new clubman in for service which we purchased about 2 months ago, I am disappointed in the fact that neither Int'l Auto's nor Mini has contacted us thanking us for the purchase. Kinda makes me feel like they got the money out of us and they don't care beyond that. I'm not going to get wierd about it, like I said it is more of a disappointment than anything else. I have had outstanding follow up when I purchased an Acura and even my Silverado was followed up with a thank you note and a call from the salesman. Time will tell on the service side.

 

I was just in for service today and really appreciated everything they did to make it worthwhile. Free drinks and snacks, a nice waiting area, car wash, carpet vacuumed. I didn't get that kind of treatment with just an oil change on my old car.

 

Over the past 10 years I've bought two Acura's from Brookfield Acura and two cars (one Infiniti, one MINI) from International. There is no comparison from a standpoint of sales experience (esp follow-up); Brookfield Acura wins hands-down!

That said, I used to have the same view point on service (BA the clear leader). But over the past 6 mo or so, the few visits I've made to International MINI service have been much better (and BA has gone down a notch).

Just my $.02...

Ed

 

My limited experience with the service department has been pretty good too. Totally opposite of the sales, they got my money and couldn't give lick about be after that. Boo!